Swimmers of all ages and abilities who took the plunge in the 15th Melton Lions Swimarathon have been congratulated for their superb efforts.

The event, held at Waterfield Leisure Centre in April, has raised £5,840 for local causes.

The Melton Mowbray Building Society Shield for the most lengths: Melton Wednesday Dolphins and Sharks presented by Mayor Jeanne Douglas. PHOTO: Tim Williams

In all, 3,338 lengths were swum on the day, with 27 teams and 158 swimmers in total taking part. The average number of lengths swam by each team at Waterfield Leisure Centre was 124. The fundraising total over the 15 years of the event is now approaching the £95,000 mark.

At the presentation night, recently held at Melton Council’s Parkside headquarters, trophies were handed out and cheques given to charity and good causes.

The Hope Against Cancer Charity was presented with £782 with the same sum given to the Leicester Hospitals Charity Heart Unit. Melton Scouts Campsite Building Scheme was presented with £1,510 and last year’s Mayoral charity appeal for Dove Cottage Day Hospice and the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance was given £1,460.

Cheques were also presented to schools, as part of the Melton Lions schools link. Old Dalby Primary School, winner of the Peaceful Places collage for Key Stage 1, received £150. Scalford Primary School, winner of the Peaceful Places poem for Key Stage 2, recieved £150.

The winner of the Melton Times Shield - which is for the most sponsorship raised by one team - was Mencap Swimming Club who raised over £400. The winners of the Pearces Jewellers Shield - which is for achievement and endeavour - were Kim and Laura Wilday of the Mencap Swimming Club. Kim, who had never swum in the deep end before, was determined to achieve swimming a full length which is why her younger sister, Laura, swam alongside her to give encouragement.

The winner of the Melton Building Society Shield for the most lengths was Melton Wednesday Dolphins and Sharks who swam 197 lengths in 55 minutes. The winner of the Wilkinsons Shield Youth Award was Jess Guy who helped her peers train for the event and the winner of the Melton Lions Shield for the most original team name was Flipping Floppers.

A special certificate was presented to June George, who swam the whole 55 minutes by herself, covering 74 lengths and raising £182 towards her sponsorship pledge as her team were unable to join her.

Four other special certificates were presented to Scalford Primary School, Grove Primary School, St Mary’s Primary School and Old Dalby Primary School for taking part.